Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

report

Starship Technologies survey says ‘public attitudes to robots have changed dramatically’

by

Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, has revealed the findings from a new national survey of US college students. The company says the survey results show a “dramatic shift” in the way people view robots.

In 2018, a Brookings survey found that 61 percent of US respondents were uncomfortable with robots. In the new survey conducted by Starship, 91.5 percent of respondents said they would recommend the robots to a friend, and two-thirds (66 percent) felt more positive about the robots since seeing them on campus.

It’s not just attitudes that have shifted in a positive direction, as the robots are also having a positive impact on behavior. According to the Starship survey, nearly two-thirds (63.2 percent) said the robots helped them avoid skipping meals. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies survey says ‘public attitudes to robots have changed dramatically’

Mobile robot shipments set to grow from 547,000 to 2.8 million by 2030, says report

by

Mobile robot shipments will remain the highest across all robot form factors. ABI Research, a technology intelligence firm, forecasts shipments to grow from 547,000 units in 2023 to 2.79 million by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 24.1 percent.

Mobile robots are most used within warehousing and logistics, but the form factor is increasingly essential in manufacturing, last-mile delivery, agriculture, and healthcare. Mobile robots demonstrate efficiency improvements for diverse applications varying from cleaning to security.

Accordingly, revenue generated from mobile robots will rise from $18 billion to $124 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 23.6 percent. [Read more…] about Mobile robot shipments set to grow from 547,000 to 2.8 million by 2030, says report

Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

by

semiconductor photoGlobal spending on 300 mm fab equipment is expected to reach a record $400 billion from 2025 to 2027, SEMI highlighted in its quarterly 300 mm Fab Outlook Report to 2027 report.

The robust spending is being driven by the regionalization of semiconductor fabs and the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips used in data centers and edge devices.

Worldwide, 300 mm fab equipment spending is projected to grow by 4 percent to $99.3 billion in 2024, and further increase by 24 percent to $123.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the $100 billion level for the first time.  [Read more…] about Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

Store robot Tally has had a ‘positive impact’ on retail operations, says Simbe report

by

Simbe Robotics, a provider of stock-taking robots for retail stores, has unveiled new data from its first annual Store Team Technology Sentiment Report.

In a recent survey of nearly 200 store managers who use Simbe’s inventory robot, Tally, the majority of respondents cited multiple positive impacts of the technology.

As an increasing majority of retailers invest in automation to strengthen their businesses and improve the in-store experience, these results reinforce the value of deploying technology across store chains and confirm the direct benefits to teams, while positioning Simbe as the only provider with proven results at scale. [Read more…] about Store robot Tally has had a ‘positive impact’ on retail operations, says Simbe report

Universal Robots reports strong end to 2023

by

Universal Robots, the Danish collaborative robot company, has reported Q4 revenue of $103 million, up 21 percent on Q4 2022. The quarter was the company’s largest revenue quarter to date. 2023 annual revenue was $304 million, down 7 percent on 2022.

The company’s president, Kim Povlsen, says: “2023 was characterized by a difficult economic and business environment for many of our core customers with global industrial activity slowing in the first half of the year.

“Nevertheless, we saw growth in our focus accounts and key segments, including palletizing, and in our strategically important OEM channel. We ended the year strong and enter 2024 with a great foundation for further growth.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports strong end to 2023

Industry group proposes plan to increase automation in logistics facilities

by

The warehousing and storage industry faces growing demand to deliver goods across the country as consumers purchase more goods online.

To address the productivity crunch and improve workers’ well-being, policymakers should establish measures to support robotic automation in logistics facilities, according to a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the leading think tank for science and technology policy.

Morgan Stevens, a research assistant at ITIF who wrote the report, says: “Firms need to adopt robotics to help workers accomplish more per hour and stay safe while doing so. [Read more…] about Industry group proposes plan to increase automation in logistics facilities

Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

by

A new Protolabs report reveals that almost one third (32 percent) of robotics industry experts believe that soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on how robotics manufacturing will develop in the next five years.

Meanwhile, more than one quarter (29 percent) see the material supply chain as the most serious barrier to progress.

Sustainability and speed were highlighted as important factors for innovation and product development in fresh applications. [Read more…] about Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

$90 billion invested in robotics startups in past five years, according to new report

by

F-Prime Capital has released its State of Robotics report, which it says provides “comprehensive insight into investment trends and exits”.

Over the past five years, 1,250 robotics companies have generated $20 billion+ of mergers and acquisitions, $15 billon of market cap across public companies, and $100 billion+ of unrealized value from private unicorns alone.

2022 saw a significant pull back in valuations for robotics companies as investors focused on higher revenue predictability and increased capital efficiency, though many companies were able to retain premium valuation multiples. [Read more…] about $90 billion invested in robotics startups in past five years, according to new report

Artificial Intelligence: UNESCO calls on all Governments to implement Global Ethical Framework ‘without delay’

by

Following calls by over 1,000 tech workers this week for a pause in the training of the most powerful AI systems, including Chat GPT, UNESCO is calling on countries to fully implement its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence immediately.

This global normative framework, adopted unanimously by the 193 Member States of the Organization, provides all the necessary safeguards.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, says: “The world needs stronger ethical rules for artificial intelligence: this is the challenge of our time. [Read more…] about Artificial Intelligence: UNESCO calls on all Governments to implement Global Ethical Framework ‘without delay’

2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Five challenges for warehouse management, according to AutoStore

by

AutoStore has launched a new benchmark report with insights from more than 300 C-level business leaders in warehouse management and fulfillment.

Survey participants identified the top three current challenges facing organizations as: rising energy costs (32 percent), increasing labor costs (27 percent), and supply chain and shipping constraints (26 percent).

Ellen Brune, head of global strategic accounts at AutoStore, says: “There is a need to operate more efficiently, which is perhaps why nearly nine in 10 organizations either have, or are planning to install, automation technology in their warehouse in 2023. [Read more…] about 2023 Predictions & Forecasts: Five challenges for warehouse management, according to AutoStore